Progressive plate drying machine



Aug. 31,1926. 1,598,191

K. E. BERRAY ET AL PROGRESSIVE PLATE DRYING MACHINE Filed 00 13.v 4. 1924 8 s t s t 1 BY M W L, (0. m

ATTORNEYS Aug. 31,1926. 1,598,191

7 K. E. BERRAY ET AL.

PROGRESSIVE PLATE DRYING MACHINE Filed oci. 4, 1924 8 Sheets sheet 2 INVENEO s' mm Eb BY I ATTORNEYS Aug. 31, 1926.

K. E'. BERRAY ET AL.

PROGRESSI VE PLATE DRYING MACHINE Filed Oct. 4. 1924 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 W ATTORNEYS INVENTO 5 M, J 7

Aug. 31 1926 1,598,191

K. E. BERRAY ET AL PROGRESSIVE PLATE DRYING MACHINE Filed Oct. 4, 1924 8 s t s t 7 VIII/I/IIIIIIII/IIIIIIIIIII/II/ INVENTO S W wM ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 31, 1926.

UNITED STATES KENNETH E. BEREAY A NLD RICHARD W. STANLEY, 0F LOCKPORT, NEW YORK, AS-

SIGNORS TO MEBJRITT MANUFACTUEZNG 00., OF LOCKPORT,

PORATION OF NENV YORK.

NEW YORK, A COR- IPROGRESSIVE PLATE DRYING MACHINE.

Application filed October 4, 1924. Serial No. 741,592.

This invention relates to drying machines and more particularly to machines adapted for the progressive drying of sheet mate rial.

This invention has for its object generally to provide an improved construction and arrangenient of parts which is efficient, economical and readily manufactured.

Specifically an object of the invention is to provide a drying machine which is strong and rugged and adapted for heavy duty and for the progressive drying of large quantities of sheet material between heated platens with substantially a minimum expenditure of energy.

Another object of the invention is functionally and structurally to improve the arrangement and coordination of the several cooperating means which dry and automatically advance sheet material through drying machines, particularly through machines of the character set forth in copending application Serial No. 484,903, filed July 15, 1921.

Other objects of the invention will in part i be obvious and will in part appear herein after. i

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows in side elevation a drying 1 achine adapted. for the progressive drying of sheet material therein constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the plan of the base of an actuating means for the drying machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section taken on the line are; of Fig. 1 and illustrates the mode of support for one of the group of platens in a stationary battery constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. is a section taken on the line b-b of Fig. 1 and shows the mode of support for he roup of platens cooperating with the 1;) shown in 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse section taken on the line c0 of Fig. 1 and shows the mode of support for a group of platens in a traveling battery constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 6 is a transverse section taken on the line cZcZ of Fig. 1 and shows the mode of support for the group of platens cooperating with the group shown in Fig. 5;

Figs. 7 and 8 are fragmentarysectional views showing in enlarged views certain details in the platen supporting posts made in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 9, 10 and'll are fragmentary sectional views showing details of the rocker construction employed in the invention, Figs. 9 and 11 being respectively sections taken on the lines e-e and f-f in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation taken on the line gg of Fig. 2, looking in a direction of the arrows, and shows a detail in the gearing adapted to transmit motion to the traveling frame;

Fig. 13 is a similar view taken on the line 7Lh of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows and shows details in the mechanism for transmitting motion to the rocker;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing in elevation details in the manner of supporting the feed-bars on the end-posts particularly to Figs. 1 to 6, 10 denotes generally the base for supporting the drying ele ments of the machine, the base being con structed of any suitable structural components for example, the four parallel longitudinally disposed I-beams shown at 11 which are held in proper relation by means of transversely disposed channel bars 12. The base 10 supports on each side a plurality of rockers 13. As shown there are three rockers 13 on each side of the machine which are distributed along the outside I- beams 11. Transverse shafts 15 rigidly connects opposite rockers on eachside of the machine providing thereby three pairs; these shafts in iiiig. .12, are

veniently journa-led in bearings 16 mounted on the inside Lbeams. A simultaneous rocking motion is communicated to the six rockers in a manner more .fully explained hereinafter, whereby they impart a..recip rocating motion to the upper and lower portions of the platen supporting frames which are generally designated 18 and 19.

The frame 18, as shown in Fig. 1, comprises lower and upper girders and 21, the former of which are shown as secured to each of the platen supporting posts, 22, which are pivoted as shownin Fig. 3, at 2 1 to one side of the rockers. 13 in order to be reciprocated thereby. Parallel to the platensupporting posts 22 is" a second set of platen supporting posts 23 which, as

shown in Fig. 4,. are likewise pivoted to the rockers 13 at but on diametrically opposite sides of the center. The posts 22 and 23 accordingly are simultaneously reciprocated by the rockers 13, but are always in opposite phases of the reciprocation imparted, that is, when the posts 21 are in the upward moving portion of the' cycle then the posts-23 are in the downward moving portion and vice versa. The platen supporting posts 23 are not connected tothe lower girders 20, but as shown clearly in Fig. 4 slide loosely therebetween. The upper girders 21 are however rigidly secured to the each of these platen. posts 23.v Similarly the platen supporting. posts 22, which are secured to the lower girders 20 are arranged to operate slidably between the upper girders 21 as indicated clearly in Fig. 3; The frame 18is thus seen to comprise upper and lower girders 20 and 21 which respectively carry the platen supporting posts 22 and 23 and are moved toward and from each other with each reciprocation of the platen supporting; posts. Groups of platens are supported on these posts, their positions beingshown mainly by dotted lines in Fig. 1; these groups will be hereinafter referred to asbatteries and designated generally by the numeral 26.

In order to aid in supporting the plat- V ens of each battery there is disposed parallel to each platen supporting post 22 and 23, an auxiliary platen supporting post designated respectively 22 and 23. The posts 22 are notdirectly connectedto the rocker but are secured to the lower girders 20 and as shown in the drawing are preferably disposed to the right of the posts 23. The posts 23 on the other hand, are likewise not directly connected to the rocker, but are secured to the girders 21 to which the posts are secured; the posts 23' being preferably disposed as indicated in Fig. 1 to the left of the posts 22. It is thus seen that there is provided a group of four parallel posts, .each alternate'one beingsecured to the same girder and having the same mothe travel ing frame.

tion. As there are three rockers on each side of the machine, there are three groups of platen posts directly reciprocated by the rockers. The frame 18, however, is adapted to provide reciprocation for platen support-- ing posts arranged at any of its intermediate points. Accordingly midway bet-ween the left hand and middle groups is another group of four platens supporting posts, namely, those secured to the girders 20 and 21 designated respectively 22 and 23". A similar group of four posts is shown between the middle and right hand groups of spectively to but above girders 2O and 21 and supported therefrom preferably by antifrict'ionmeans, for example by roller bearings, as shown at27. I

The bearing construction illustrated, as more clearly'shown in Fig. 5, comprises a plurality of. relatively narrow rollers 28 of relatively large diameter pivoted between the lower girders 20 and between the upper girders 31, whichv ride. or bear upon hearing plates 29 spanning respectively the pairs of girders at 30 and 21 on each side of the machine. Y

The traveling frame .19 is arranged to have a limited to and fro movement and to'support batteries between the stationary batteries which partake of the motion of Such batteries are here designated traveling batteries. To

ing movements similar to the group ofposts 22, 22, 23*and 23. These additional group of posts 33 and 33" of course travel with the tr veling'fran'ie and are disposed along the support the traveling batteries, the lower girders at points'adapted' to support the travcling batteries between the stationary bat- "teries with the proper clearances for the dethe platen supporting posts in any suitable manner, for example, by means of the bolt 38 shown as frietionally and adjustably supported by means of nuts 38 in the slot 39 formed in the end wall of the platen supporting posts. Tipe connections, hereinafter more fully described, are adapted to supply a heating medium thereto, such for example, live steam under pressure.

The traveling frame 19 as shown has overhung ends which are completed by a pair of sliding rods it) and il that are s cured respectively to the girders and clearly shown in Fig. 14. The upper end of post 40 as shown in Fig. lt is provided with guiding prongs 49 which extend over and loosely engage with the sides of the rod 411. The lower end of the rod -fl-1 is also provided with similar guiding prongs 43. It is thus seen that these rods are adapted for reciprocation and move one upon the other with the up and down movements of the girders 30 and 31. These rods are provided with projections 44: and 45 disposed respec tively on the rods 40 and ll so that each rod supports alternate ones of the feed bars 46 which are disposed in superposed spaced relation as clearly indicated in Fig. 14. These feed bars have a pair of lugs t? which are adapted to embrace the rods 40 and 41 and bear upon the projections 44 or 45 as the case may be. At one end as shown in Fig. 15, the feed bar has a removable lug at? in order that such lug may be taken elf to facilitate the insertion or removal of a bar from its place on the reciprocating rods. V I These feed bars preferably are made U- shaped in cross section, but are turned so as to lie on a side as shown in Fig. 17. The closed outer face of each feed bar has its upper and lower edges bevelled as indicated at 48 and when placed in position has these beveled parts so arranged. as to provide a converging opening for the reception of the sheet material to be pressed and dried. By this construction it is seen that the feed bars on the ends of the traveling frame 19 partake of substantially the same motion as the traveling batteries with which their openings are aligned.

By reciprocating the lower and upper girders 20 and 21 which carry girders SO and 31 it is seen that alternate platens in each group or battery are moved in unison towaro or from each of the adjacent platens in the battery. The platens of each battery are adapted to approach each other until grip the sheet material which they let-ween their flat surfaces but in as more the motion of the platensupporting posts is not such as to stop when two platen surfaces are brought to bear oppositely against the sheet material, it is seen that, since the castings 35 are loosely supported by the platen supporting posts, the lowermost platen is free to lift the then superinoumbent platen from its support and bear such weight until the movement of the platen siuaporting post again picks up the platen. The rockers 13 which thus etlect this reciprocation are here simultaneously oscillated in a positive manner; the rockers themselves being preferably of a rugged construction and substantially frictionless in their operation.

The details of the rocker construction are shown in i igs. 9, l0 and 11, where 50 denotes supporting chair which is adapted to be secured on the l-beams 11 of the base 10. The chair 50 supports the oscillating segment 51 having roller bearings 52 distributed properly over the bearing of the chair 50 and the oscillating member 51 which surfaces preferably are reinforced by means of thin sleeves of properly hardened bearing metal 53, the latter being secured by means of screws 54. The rollers 52 are themselves shown as mounted in arcuate frames which are disposed at the ends of the rollers and within properly formed grooves at the sides of the chair 50. These frames have a limited endwise movement and insure that the rollers are constantly in alignment and not likely to add to the friction within the chair on account of their getting; out of alignment. These frames also are preferably constructed so as to assist in the distribution of lubricant to the bearing surfacesin the chair; for example by providing properly formed capillary grooves in the frames.

The oscillating segment 51 has a hub 56 into which an end of the shaft 15 is secured in any suitable manner, for example, by means of the set screws 57. Depending from the hub 56 is a heavy integral rocker arm 58 which is adapted to receive motion from a pair of links-59 in order to rock it. The links 59 are secured to the end of the arm 58 by means of the pin 60 which passes through an opening in the lower end of the rocker arm, the opening-being lined with a sleeve 61. so as to provide a proper bearing and eliminate any substantial lost motion. This sleeve however is provided with openings 62 communicating with passages 63 adapted to supply a suitable lubricant from the well indicated at 6d. The oscillating segment 51 has a pair of crank pins 65 which are preferably secured to the outside vertical face at'diametrically opposite points disposed at equal distances from the center. These crank-pins serve as pivots to which the directly actuated. platen supporting surfaces 7 posts 22 and 23 are operatively connected in order to be reciprocated. The connections to these crank-pins are protected and kept in place by means of the removably secured plate 66.

The chairs 50, as constructed, are seen each to form the lower member of what is a bearing lock for the oscillating segment 51. The bearing block thus provided however is not formed with a completely arched over upper member, but has what in effect is an upper member with the central portion cut away so as to provide ready access to the parts in order to repair or to lubricate the-parts. The chairs 50 thus have on" each of their upwardly projecting right and left arms, a shoulder piece 501, which is individually removable therefrom and gives the chair when complete a somewhat crescentshaped outline. These pieces prevent the accidental or unauthorized displacement of the oscillating segment 5] from its chair.

The pair of links 59 as shown in Fig. 2 are adapted to connect all three of the rock ers on a side of a machine so that they may be rocked simultaneously. These links 59 are shown also in Fig. 13 and carry,'at a point intermediatetheir connections to the rocker arms 58, a pair of spaced rollers 67 which serve as anti-friction rollers forreceiving motion to reciprocate the links from the cam 68 that is shownin broken lines as mounted on a shaft 69. Two such shafts are shown in Fig. 2, one on the left hand side of the plan view and one onthe right hand side. 'These shafts extend clear across the machine and are driven synchronously by means of gearing shown at 70 which in turn is driven b 7 reduction earing shown at 71. b

the latter being driven from-the jack shaft 72 actuated in any suitable manner, for eX- ample, by means of the electric motor 73, having driving connections with the jack shaft (2 indicated at 7st. Each pair of rollers 67 and their respective cams are preferably protected as shown in Figs. 2 and 13 by means of a housing 75 which-is carried on the links 59, the cams in each case being so arranged on shafts 69 as to have the phase when actuated.

The traveling frame 19 is arranged to travel in a properly timed relation with the reciprocations imparted to the upper nd lower girders of both frames. By means of this timed relation the traveling batteries move forward, advancing the sheet material which they grip into the aligned openings of the adjacent stationary batteries which openings in this phase of the movement are open. Correspondin 'ly, the sheet material which is being held securely between platen surfaces in the stationary batteries must extend into aligned openings of the adjacent traveling battery which are then open. This sequenceof operations is the same as that set same forth in the co-pending application above identified.

In the arrangement here shown this timed relation in the sequence of the movement of the traveling frame 19 withrespect to the reciprocation of the platens is secured by means of a cam which is additionalto the cams 68, but is actuated by the shaft 69; all the cams being properly angularly disposed on the shaft so as to provide for the desired movements each at the proper time. cam, for thus actuating the traveling frame, is shown in broken lines at '77 in Fig. 12 and mounted on the lefthand shaft 69a (see F which turns in a bearing block 78 sliding in ways 79 in the side of the housing 80. This housing carries within it a' pair of'rollers 81 which contact substantially at diametrically opposite points of the cam 77. The housing thus formed serves as a pitman 82 which is adapted to receive the recij'n'ocating motion imparted by the cam 7 7 andjtransmit it to a rocking link 88 which pivoted at'8-l to one of the transverse shafts 15. The rocking link 83 carries an adjustable sliding block 85in a slot 86 which is di osed longitudinally of the link 83 and made to pass'in transit as close as practical to the shaft 15. To the sliding block is pivoted, as indicated at 87, a link or rod 88 which is connected at 89 to a transverse bar 90 of the traveling frame. As the rocking link 83 is rocked, it is secnthat a reciprocating movement is transmitted by the rod 88- and causes the frame 19 to travel. The amplitude of this motion is varied by adjusting the block 85 up or down in the slot 86. This adjustment is effected by any convenient means, for example, by means of the screws 91 which are disposed in the slot 86, and arranged to move the block- 85 longitudinally therein. The screw 91 is actuated by means of a train of gears 92, which is moved by means of a handwheel 93'. This handwheel as will be -seen, is disposed at the end of a transverse shaft 94 which is journaled in a suitable projection 95 formed on a part oflink 83 which has arelatively small amplitude of motion; As there is a rocking link 83 on each side of'the machine, these links are arranged to be operated in synchronism; the shaft 94 is accordingly journaled in both links and serves as a means for simultaneously adjusting the amplitude of the reciprocation communicated to the traveling frame 19.

As the advance of frame 19 preferably takes place during the intervals between successive reciprocations of the platens, the cam 77 in consequence is given an angular displacement on the shafts 69 with. respect to the cams 68 of substantially 90 degrees. By providing the swinging link 83 with an ad justable block 85, it is seen that there is thus provided means for varying the amplitude The of the reciprocating motion imparted to frame 10 without the use of a lostmotion connection between the cam 77 and the frame 19.

By varying the travel of the frame 19 it is seen that the rate of the feed of sheet material passing between the platens is controlled.

In the construction here illustrated, both the cams and 77 are operatively disposed between a pair of rollers to which their motion is imparted. The cams are preferably so shaped as to bear continually upon the rollers during the complete cycle of operations imqarted in a revolution of shaft 09. Consequently there is no lost motion at any point to be taken up, and the strains incident to the taking up of lost motion are thus avoided and a longer life had for the machine and its operating parts, while the rol ers themselves serve as anti-friction members for transmitting the motion of the cams substantially frictionlessly. It will be observed that, by the use of cams as here provided, the motion of the reciprocating parts need not necessarily be a simple harmonic motion, but one compounded of suitable harmonic components. .Also by providing the came with housings, they are protected from knocks and dirt which frequently add to the strains incident to cam-propelled apparatus. Such acam casing is also preferably made to serve as a reservoir for oil or other lubricant. Consequently the rollers and cam, when bathed with lubricant from such reservoir become well oiled and thereby further avoid the strains incident to wear. Port-ions of the driving train in this machine are also shown as having suitable housings which protect them from dirt and may likewise serve to supply lubricant to the train.

The heating medium, which is preferably dry steam, is supplied to the stationary and traveling batteries from respective separate headers. tionary batteries is designated 100 while that for the traveling batteries is designated 101; both are clearly shown in Fig. 1. From the header 100 at proper intervals there are led flexible pipe connections 102 which pass down at the side of the frame adjacent to the supporting posts and through suitable openings in the posts, indicated at 103, into the steam inlets 1041 of the platens. At the opposite ends of the platens there are exits 105 as shown in Figs. 5 and 7 which are preferably The supply-header for the staclosed at the end of the first has a pipe connection 108 .connecting with a trap 109 shown in Fig. 1.

The header 101 is carried on the traveling frame 19 by means of the bracket 110 and is supplied with live steam through the articulated connection 111. From the header 101 lead other flexible pipe connections 112 which pass respectively to the platens of the traveling batteries through openings 113 in the traveling supporting posts 32, 32, 33 and 33. From the opposite ends of the platens of the traveling batteries lead the flexible drain connections 116. communicate with the drain header 117 shown also as carried by the traveling frame by means of the bracket 118. The traveling drain-header has an articulated pipe connection 119 shown in Fig. 1 which connects with the trap 109. The supply connections preferably have valves as shown so that they may be controlled. By means of this arrangement of piping it is seen that a free or regulated flow of the heating medium to each platen and the proper drainage of the condensate therefrom are secured substantially as desired.

Operation.

The sheet material to be pressed and dried, for example wooda'eneer, is preferably fed simultaneously at both ends of the machine since each end is designed both to receive and to discharge the sheet material which is to be treated. The material is fed in any convenient manner, for example, by hand or by traveling conveyors'which are suitably disposed adjacent the ends of the traveling frame, but are not here shown in the interests of clearness. i

Let it be assumed that the machine is running. that the cams 08 and 77 turn in a clockwise direction and that, in the position shown in Figs. 19- and 13, they are in the midst of what is here termed the first quarter of a cycle. In this position it will be seen that the cam 77 has pushed the pitman 82 and the rocking link 83 to the extreme right-hand position. The traveling frame 19 will accordingly be in its extreme righthand position. In this portion of the cycle,

however, the cam 66 is in an intermediate position, the rocker arm 58 being shown 'verticallv downward. The platens and the feed bars, for this position of the rocker arm, will all be in the midst of an opening and closing movement.

22 will move upwardly'and thatthe posts 23 will move downwardly as this quarter of a cycle is being completed. This will cause the two lowermost platens in the right-hand stationary battery shown in Fig. 1 to be quarter of the cycle.

The movements of the feed bars (also that These connections;

It is seen from an inspection of big. 18 that the supporting posts of the trave'lingplatens). and that of the cor. responding stationary platens will, of course, be in diametrically opposite phases, that is, the two lowermost feed bars on the righthand end of the traveling frame will be opening while that of the lowermost two platens in the stationary battery will be closing, etc. The sheet material at the right end will accordin ly be fed into the second and fourth opening from the bottom of the feed bars, while that at the left-handend is fed into the first and third openings from the bottom.

lVhe-n the first quarter of a cycle is com pleted, the rocker arm 58 will have been rocked into its extreme right-hand pos tion, thereby bringing supporting post 22 touts most elevated position, while supporting post 23 is depressed to its lowermost position. The second and fourth openings between the feed-bars of the right-hand end are thereby closed, so as to grip the sheet material which has been fed thereinto since the frame 19 is just about to begin its travel toward the left. All the traveling batteries have, of course, partaken of the same motion as the feed bars so that their aligned second and fourth openings from the bottom are likewise closed and grip any sheet material which may have already reached them.

The second quarter of the cycle begins when cam 68 has reached its extreme lefthand position. Cam 77 by this time has also turned sufficiently downwardly to be impart.- ing motion to the pitman 82so as to swing the link 83 toward the left. The frame 19 accordingly travels steadily toward the left during the secondquarter of the cycle; the cam 68, during this quarter, rolling substantially frictionlessly without imparting motion of translation, against the left-hand rollers 67 carried by the links 59. The sheet material fed from the right is thus held gripped between the platens of the traveling batteries and between the feed bars and is thereby drawn toward the left and made to advance in the open spaces of-the stationary batteries as the'second quarter transpires; such quarter terminates when the traveling frame 19 has reached its extreme left-hand position.

During the next or third quarter of the cycle the cam 68 will have turned clockwise into a position displace 180 from that shown in Fig. 13. In this position the links 59 will have come back to the full-line position and the rockers 13 will again have assumed the intermediate position; the cam 77 shown in Fig.12 will also have been angularly displaced180 from the position shown in dotted lines, so that the pitman 82 will thus have reached its extreme left-hand position and the rocking link 83 rocked to its extreme left-hand position.

In consequence the link 88 will have moved the traveling frame 19 to its extreme right.

As a result, the sheet material which is gripped in the second and fourth spaces from. the bottom, of the traveling batteries and of the feed bars will have been given a full displacement equal tothe distance traversed by the frame 19 and then be released while that] in the alternate spaces of the traveling batteries will then be gripped, preparatory to being displaced toward, the

During the fourth quarter of the cycle the cams 68 and 77 will havebeen moved to positions displaced by 270 clockwise, from that shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The, traveling frame will have been moved during this quarter of the cycle from the extreme left- 1 hand position to the extreme. right-hand position. During this final quarter the cam 68 rolls substantially frictionlessly on the right-hand rollers .67 on the links 59, as in the second quarter, thereby maintaining the first and third spaces from the bottom of the traveling batteries and ofthe feed bars ingripping engagement with the sheet material fed from the left, while the cam 77 rocks link 83 =to effect translation of frame 19 to the right. \Vhen this translation is completed the. sheet material which was gripped by the stationary batteries and not moved during the first half cycle has now been moved toward the right a distance corresponding to the. full displacement of the traveling frame 19, while that moved during the first half cycle remains stationary, being gripped in the now closed second and fourth spaces from the bottom of the stationary batteries. The rate of travel .of the sheet material through the drying machine is varied at will according to the result. desiredin either of two ways; first, by varying the speedof the motor 73 which also varies the time the platens remain in contact with the sheet material during a cycle, or second, by varyingthe amplitude of the travel of the frame 19, by varying the position of block in .link 83. as indicated above. 7

.The. dryingeifect of the platens on'the. sheet material may also-be regulated independently. The regulation of this effect is accomplished by regulating the heating, and consequently the supply of the beating medium to the headers and 101, which is preferably accomplished by manipulating the valves in the piping above described.

I vIt is thus seen that the drying machine hereprovided operates to discharge properly pressed and dried sheet material intermittently but progressively from the machine a t-eachend, the material having advanced through the machine in relatively oppositedirections. It is seen also-that the supporting posts, attached to'the relatively movable frames 18 and 19 and arranged in groups of fours, provide for supporting each platen at four distinct points. This quadrilateral support of the platens insures rigid three-point support for the platens even though the frames become somewhat permanently strained and do not provide even support at all four points; the platens by this arrangement consequently lreep at all times closely to their original planes. in the frame construction here employed, it may be noted however that the lower and upper members of the frame 18, namely, the girders 20 and 21, are illustrated as preferablymade of relatively wide channel bars in order to give the frame stiffness in a vertical direction and thereby avoid as far as practical the risk of permanent strains. In this construction, it is further seen that these members support, though mo'vably and in a substantially frictionless manner on account of this interposition of rollers 28, the

lower and uaaer irders 30 and 31 of the frame 19, so that the frame 18, in consequence, carries the total weight of all the batteries, both traveling and stationary; the traveling batteries being preferably disposed directly over the rollers 28 carried by the lower girders 20 of the frame 1.8; the rollers themselves being preferably disposed so as to support the load at points of substantially maximum stresses.

As the upper and lower girders 20 and 21 are directly connected to and hence supported by the rockers 13, it is seen that these rockers in turn support the entire weight of the batteries. As indicated there are three rockers on a side, so that the base 10 has six rockers on which the entire weight of the )atteries is applied in the form of concentrated loads at those points. It is for this reason that the bearings for the rockers 13 are made with anti-friction devices and of massive construction so as to provide ample bearing surface of a rigid, character for carrying the total load without undue consumption of operating energy.

Since certain chan es may be made in the above construction and different embodi.

ments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure byLetters Patent, is:

1. In a drying machine, in combination, a stationary frame and a traveling frame each having members relatively movable toward and from the other, spaced interleaved platens provided with quadrilateral supports carried by said movable members,and means 3. In a drying machine, in combination, a'

stationary frame and a traveling frame each having upper and lower members movable relatively toward and from the other, supporting posts carried by said upper and lower members and arranged in relatively movable groups of fours, spaced interleaved platens arranged in groups and supported by said post, alternate ones being supported by the same pair in each group of four, and means for reciprocating said members and simultaneously moving said traveling frame in cyclic relation with the reciprocations.

In a drying machine, in combination, a stationary frame having vertical stiffened upper and lower horizontal members, a traveling frame having upper and lower hori- Zontal members carried by said stiffened members, the upper and lower members of each frame being movable toward and from the other, relatively movable supporting posts carried by the upper and lower members of each of said frames and arranged in groups of fours, spaced interleaved platens arranged in groups and supported by said posts, alternate ones being supported by the same pair in each group of four, and means for reciprocating said members and simultaneously moving said traveling frame in cyclic relation with the reciprocations.

In a drying machine, in combination, a stationary frame having vertically stiffened upper and lower horizontal members, a traveling frame having upper and lower horizontal members carried in rolling con tact with said stiffening members, the upper and lower members of each frame being movable from and toward the other, supporting posts carried by each of said upper and lower members and arranged in groups of fours, batteries of spaced interleaved platens supported by each group of four, the batteries carried by said traveling frame being disposed intermediately between the batteries on said stationarv frame, and

and a traveling frame each means for reciprocating said members and sin'iultaneously moving said traveling frame in cyclic relation with said reciprocations.

6. In a drying machine, in combination,

a stationary frame having ertically stiffened upper and lower horizontal members, a traveling frame having upper and lower horizontal members and provided with roller-bearing support onsaid stiffened members, the upper and lower members of each frame being movable toward and from the other, pairs of supporting posts carried on each of said upper and lower members, a pair on each of said upper and lower members being associated in groups of fours, a group of spaced interleaved platens comprising a battery supported by each said group of four, alternate platens of a battery being supported by the same pair in a group of four, and means for reciprocating said members and simultaneously moving said traveling frame in'cyclic relation withsaid reciprocations.

7. In a drying machine, in combination, a stationary frame having vertically stiffened upper and lower horizontal members,

- a traveling frame having upper and lower horizontal members proviled with rollerbearing support on said stiffened members, the upper and lower members of each frame being movable toward and from the other, pairs of supporting posts carried on each of said upper and lower members, a pair on each of said upper and lower members being associated together in groups of fours, said groups being disposed directly over and under the roller-bearing support for the traveling frame, a battery of spaced interleaved platens supported by each of said groups, alternate platens of a battery being supported by the same pair in a group, and means for reciprocating said members and simultaneously moving said traveling frame in a cyclic relation with said reciprocations.

8. In a drying machine, in combination, relatively'movable platen supporting frames, each having upper and lower members adapted to be moved toward and from the other, the members of one framebeing vertically stiffened and adapted to support the members of the other, means carried by said members for successively gripping and advancing sheet'm'aterial in said drying machine, and means for moving. said members and frames intermittently in recurrent cycles.

9.,In a drying machine, in combination, relatively movable frames, each having upper and lower members adapted to be reciprocated toward and from the other, the members of one frame being vertically stiffened and provided with roller-bearing support for the members ofthe other frame, means for successively gripping and advancing sheet material supported by said members as concentrated loads at the bearing point, and means for moving said frames relatively and reciprocating said members intermittently in recurrent cycles.

10. In a drying machine, in combination,

relatively movable frames each having upp'er and lower members adapted to be reciprecated toward .and from the other, the member-s of one frame being vertically stiffened and provided with roller-bearing support for the members of the other frame, batteries of spaced interleaved platens mounted :on said frame at points adjacent the roller-bearing support, and means for moving said frames relatively and reciprocating said members intermittently in re current cycles. v A

11. In a drying machine, in combination, a base, relatively movable distensible frames on said base, one of which has overhung ends, relatively movable feed bars carried by said ends and arranged to grip and advance sheet material to feed it into the machine, and means mounted on said base for actuating saidframes and said feed bars intermittently in recurrent cycles.

In a drying machine, in'combination, a base, relatively movable distensible frames on said base, one of which has overhung encs, means for gripping and advancing sh-eetinaterialin said drying machine including relatively movable feed bars carried at said ends, and means mounted on said. base for actuating said gripping and advancing means intermittently in recurrent cycles.

13. In a drying machine, in combination, a base, a stationary frame mounted on said base and having relatively reciprocating supporting posts, a traveling frame carried by said stationary frame and having associated reciprocating supporting posts, batteries of spaced interleaved platens carried by said supporting posts having their openings aligned for receiving sheet material, feed 'bars'carried at the ends of said traveling frame arranged to'be relatively reciprocated and to have their openings aligned with the, spaces in said batteries, and means for reciprocating and advancing the movable portions of said frames intermittently in recurrent cycles.

14. In a drying machine, in combination, a base, relatively movable distensible frames, means mounted thereon for successively gripping and advancing sheet material in-said machine, one of said frames being provided at its ends with superposed sliding rods, and means for imparting motion to said movable frames to actuate said gripping and advancing means intermittentlyin recurrent cycles.

15. Ina drying machine, in combination, a base, relatively movable distensible frames supported by said base,0ne of said frames being provided with overhung ends, superposed sliding rods arranged to complete said ends, feeding means mounted on said slid mg rods adapted togripsheet material .alternately on opposite sides, and means for the successive heating and pressing of sheet material carried by said frames, and means for moving said frames to actuate said feed ing and heating means intermittently in recurrent cycles.

16. In a drying machine, in combination, means for gripping and advancing sheet ma terial in said machine, and means for actuating said gripping and advancing means, intermittently in recurrent cycles, said means including synchronously driven. cams having relative phase displacement and links connected to said gripping and advancing means for transmitting thereto the motion of said'cams, said links being provided with motion-receiving elements arranged to be in constant rolling contact with said cams.

17. In a drying machine, in combination, relatively movable frames provided with reciprocating platens arranged successively to grip and advance sheet material in said machine, and means for actuating said platens intermittently in recurrent cycles, said means including synchronously driven cams and motion-transmitting links actuated, thereby, said links having rollers in con stant rolling contact with said cams and arranged to transmit the motion of said cams to move said platens intermittently in recurrent cycles.

18. In a drying machine, in combination, relatively movable frames having upper and lower members adapted to be reciprocated toward and'from each other, a base, rockers on said base having operative con nections to reciprocate said members, links connected to said rockers to insure synchronous movement thereof, a pitman connected to impart relative movement to said frames, power driven cams journaled on said base and having relative phase displacement, and means having constant rolling contact with said cams disposed respectively on said links and pitman to impart movements to said frame and members in termittently in recurrent cycles.

19. In a drying machine, in combination, relatively movable frames having upper and lower members adapted to be reciprocated toward and from each other, a base, rockers on said base having operative connections to reciprocate said members, links connected to said rockers to insure synchronous movement thereof, a pitman connected to impart relative movement to said frames, power driven cams journaled on said base and having relative phase displacement, and housings each provided interiorly with rollers adapted to be in constant rolling contact with said cams disposed respectively on said links and pitman.

20. In a drying machine, in combination, relatively movable frames having upper and lower members adapted to be reciprocated toward and from each other, a base, rockers on said base having operative connections to reciprocate said members, links connected to'said rockers to insure synchronous movement thereof, a pitman connected to impart relative movement to said frames, power driven cams journaled in said'base and having relative phase displacement, and casings each adapted to contain lubricant and provided with rollers arranged to be in constant rolling contact with said cams, disposed respectively on said links and pitman to receive the motion imparted by said cams and actuate said frames and members inter- 22. In a drying machine, 'in'combination,

a'base, reciprocable spaced drying elements, rockers arranged to reciprocate said elements, and bearing members for said rockers supportedby said base, said members comprising substantially semi-circular chairs and anti-friction devices on which said rockers bear.

V 23. In a drying machine, in combination, a base, reciprocable spaced drying elements, rockers arranged to reciprocate said elements, and bearing members for said rockers supported by said base, said members comprising substantially semi -circular chairs providing acylindrical bearing surface and anti-friction rollers distributed over said surfaceand arranged to support said rockers thereon.

In a drying machine, in combination, a base, reciprocable spaced drying elements, rockers arranged to reciprocate said elements, and bearing members for said roclters supported by said base, said members comprising substantially semi-circular chairs having a cylindrical bearing surface, antifriction rollers distributed over said surface, and rings arranged to hold said rollers in alignment, said rollers being adapted to support the weight of said rockers.

25. In a drying machine, in combination, a base, reciprocable spaced drying elements, rockers arranged to reciprocate said ele ments, and bearing members for said rockers supported by said base, said members comprising substantially semi-circular chairs provlded with arms, anti-friction devices'on which said rockers bear, and individually removable shoulderpieces on the arms'of said chairs and arranged to hold said rockers in'pla'ce. V

26. Ina drying machine, in combination, a platen supporting frame, a second platen supporting frame supported for movement relatively to said first mentioned frame, a plurality of batteries of spaced interleaved platens arranged side by side and each iiicliiding a plurality of drying platens, a plurality of supporting posts for said, platens connectedhto said platen supporting frames whereby the platens'connected to the movable frame are movable therewith and relatively to the adjacent platen, and spaced supporting lugs at opposite ends" of each of said platens supported r-respectively by spaced platen posts.

27. In a drying machine, in combination,

a platen supporting frame, a second platen supporting frame supported for. movement relatively to said first mentionedlframe, a

plurality of batteries of spaced interleaved nected' to said platen supporting frames whereby theplatens connected tothe movable frame are movable therewith and relatively to the adjacent platen ,"spaced supporting-lugsat" opposite ends-of each of said platens supportedrespectively by spaced platen posts, and bearings for said platen supporting fram-esjdisposed directly beneath said' terminal batteries. I r I 28. In a' drying machine, i' combination, a platen supporting frame, a second platen supporting frame supported for movement relatively to said first mentioned frame, a plurality of batteries arranged side by side and each including aplurality of drying platens, a plurality of supporting posts for said platen connected to said platen supporting frames whereby the platens connected to the movable frame are movable therewith and relatively to the adjacent platen, spaced supporting lugs at opposite ends of each ofsaid platens supported respectively by spaced platen posts, the terminal batteries of said machine being sup-,

ported by said first mentioned platen supporting frame, bearings for said platen supporting frames disposed directly beneath said terminal batteries, and feed bars carried by said second mentioned platen supporting frame and operating therewith to feed the material into theniachine.

29. In a dryingmachine, in combination,

a platen supporting frame having upper and a platen supporting frame having upper and lower longitudinal members, a second platen supporting frame having'upper and lower longitudinal'members arranged in the plane platen supporting posts carried by said members, platens carried by said posts, a supporting base for said frames disposed below the planeof said members, and rocker bearings supported on said base having sup porting connections with said first mentioned frame. r

30.. In a drying machine, in combination, a platen supporting frame having upper and lower longitudinal members, a second platen supporting frame having upperand lower longitudinal members arrangodin the plane of said first mentioned members and supported for longitudinal movement thereon, platen supporting posts carried by said members, platens carried by said posts, each being supported at each end at spaced points by a plurality of said posts, a supporting base for said frames disposed below the planes-ofsaid nieinbers,and rocker bearings supported on said base having supporting connections with said first -mentioned framej i r 31' In a drying machine, in combination, a platen supporting frame havingupper andlowerlongitudinal members, a second fplaten supporting frame having 'uppe'r and lower longitudinalinembersarraiiget Tip the plane of said first mentioned members and supported; for longitudinal movement thereon, platen supporting posts carried by said platen supporting postscarried by saidmembers, platens carried by said posts, each-belng supported at each end at spaced points .by a plurality of" said posts, said platens be- 111 g grouped as a plurality of relatively movable batteries, a supporting base forsaid frames arranged in the planes of said members at either side of saidmachine, and rocker bearings supported on said base beneath the terminal batteries, and having support ing connections with said first mentioned supporting frame. f

33.,In a drying machine, in combination,

lowerlongitudinal members, a second platen supporting frame having upper and lower longitudinal members arranged in the planes of said first mentioned members-and sup ported for longitudinal movement thereon,

platen supporting posts carried by said members, platens carried by said posts, said platens being grouped as a plurality of relatively movable batteries, a supporting base for said frames disposed below the planes of said members at either side of said machine, rocker bearings supported on said base beneath terminal batteries, having supporting connections with said first mentioned platen supporting frame, and feed bars carried by said second mentioned platen supporting frame and operating therewith to feed material into the apparatus.

In a drying machine, in combination, a platen supporting frame having horizontally spaced upper and lower longitudinal members, a second platen supporting frame having horizontally spaced upper and lower longitudinal members arranged respectively in the planes of said first mentioned members and supported for longitudinal movement thereon, platen supporting posts carried by said members, platens carried by said posts, a supporting base for said frames including beams disposed respectively in the vertical planes of said stringers, rocker bearings mounted at opposite sides of the machine upon said base and arranged in opposed pairs, connecting shafts operatively relating said pairs and links connecting said rocker bearing shafts for synchronous actuation.

In a drying machine, in combination, a platen supporting frame having upper and lower lon itudinal members, a second platen supporting frame having upper and lower longitudinal members arranged in the plane of said first mentioned members and supported for longitudinal movement thereon, platen supporting posts carried by said members, platens carried by said posts, a supporting base for said frames disposed below the plane of said members, rocker bearings supported on said base having supporting connections with said first mentioned frame, rockers in said bearin s provided with crank arms disposed at the inner sides of said base and operating links connecting said crank arms.

36. In a drying machine, in combination, a platen supporting frame having upper and lower longitudinal members, a second platen supporting frame having upper and lower longitudinal members arranged in the planes of said first mentioned members and supported for longitudinal movement thereon,

platen supporting posts carried by said members, platens carried by said posts, a supporting base for said frames arranged in the planes of said members, rocker bearings sup ported on said base having supporting connections with said first mentioned frame, rockers in said bearings having crank arms disposed at the inner sides of said base, operating links connecting said crank arms dis-- posed at either side of the machine, and

power connections for actuating said links.

87. In a drying machine, in combination,

abase, relatively movable frames supported on said base provided with vertically reciprocating members, platens carried by said members, and means for supplying heating medium to said platens, said means comprising separate supplying and draining headers carried respectively by said relatively movable frames, and flexible piping leading individually from said headers to each platen.

88. In a drying machine, in combination, a base, relatively movable frames supported on said base and having vertically reciprocating members, platens carried by said members,

bers reciprocable toward and from the other,

platens arranged in groups to form batteries supported by said members, driving means in said base for reciprocating said members and effecting relative movement of said frames, and means for supplying said batteries with a heating medium, said means comprising upper supply headers carried respectively by said relatively movable frames, and lower drain headers carried respectively by said frames, and flexible pipe connections leading from said headers to each individual platen,

the pipe connections leading to the platens in the same battery being arranged in groups.

' In testimony where we aiiix our signatures.

KENNETH E. BERRAY. RICHARD W. STANLEY. 

